Honoring Julie Haupt, Founder of Celebrating Arts
(1961-2021)
Julie Haupt, the founder of Celebrating Arts, dedicated her life to fostering cultural exchange and understanding between the United States and China. Her unwavering belief in the power of the arts as a bridge between communities inspired her to create an organization that celebrates the power of the arts to connect people, particularly young people, across differences in language, background, and culture. Under her leadership, Celebrating Arts directly impacted thousands of American and Chinese participants, inspiring them to share their artistic talents and create lifelong friendships.
After her passing in 2021, we remained committed to her legacy, continuing to build bridges and promote U.S.-China exchanges that celebrate artistic excellence and cross-cultural friendships. Julie's impact resonates in every project we undertake, embodying her vision of connection that transcends borders.
In addition to her dedicated work with Celebrating Arts, Julie was also an incredible educator, community member, and mother. Julie taught as adjunct and later full-time faculty at Brigham Young University for nearly 30 years and was an active and loving member of her church and neighborhood communities. She is survived by her three daughters and remembered by many more as their “China Mom.”
Julie’s Impact: Notes from Youth Participants, Summer 2019
“The opportunities I’ve gotten because of you have been once in a lifetime. I have grown to love the Chinese people and culture so much and wish to return at some point to visit in the future.”
-J., youth participant
“You have opened my eyes to the opportunity to meet new people, to learn more cultures, to share my passion and talent of dance….You’ve become my “China Mom” and part of my family.”
— I., youth participant
“I am inspired by you to be kind to those around me and also to go out and make a difference in the world. I feel as though my experience in China has been changed for the better because of your lovely and inspiring words of advice to act as an ambassador rather than a tourist.
-S., youth participant
“Thank you so much for this opportunity to be able to come to China. I have had so much fun and learnt so much about this amazing culture. Thank you for the countless hours of behind-the-scenes work you put into this opportunity.”
— H., youth participant
Julie’s Closing Gala Address, 11th China International Folk Arts Festival
“On behalf of the US delegation, I think I can speak for all of us in expressing thanks for the amazing experience of coming together across seas, continents, and borders to celebrate art, love, humanity, and peace. The organizers have created a venue for building bridges of friendship between nations—so tonight we are able to celebrate in reality ‘One World, One Family.’ We have made lasting friendships, learned from one another, and celebrated one another’s successes. The level of cooperation here is a model of all the good we hope for in this world.
“This beautiful country of China has shared its rich treasures. We have appreciated its great beauty, hospitality, and cultural strength. This is my 11th visit to China personally and I cannot wait to return.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the organizers, government leaders, hosts, staff, and all who have worked and sacrificed to make this event possible. May we go from this place, celebrating arts and clasping hands of friendship.”